Patti B Harrell

David O. Dodd Patti B Harrell

In the antebellum period of the American civil war, young David Dodd is coming of age. His father's side of the family held to the prevalent beliefs of the Southland of the time; his paternal grandfather owned and operated a magnificent plantation. However, his mother's side of the family believed in teaching the field hands to read and write so that they could experience success upon earning their freedom. As a compromise, David's immediately family held one indentured servant at a time - teaching the limited-time servant to read, write, and speak like a freeman. After moving to his grandfather's plantation, David is allowed to travel with his uncle. As they travel, David is introduced to numerous plantations with a vast divergence of attitudes towards slavery. But the most defining influence on David's opinion concerning slavery was his friendship with Old Ben, the runaway slave his grandfather harbored in plain sight. The approaching of war costs David: his grandfather and Old Ben relocate to Texas, his classmates enlist without him, and he must leave town with his father to seek a refuge for the family. How will the war effect David's developing beliefs about slavery? Will an invasion of Yankees complete the shattering of the idyllic concept of his beloved Southland? Or will it solidify his long-held beliefs? Come along on his journey as David experiences the joys, hardships, relationships, and tragedies that will shape him for his role as the youngest convicted Confederate spy. (Author's note: Initially, this was the first half of "Deo Vindice". This book contains images of life in the lower Mississippi River region before the Civil War. It will be great for those who prefer more background before throwing the lead character into action. It will also be great for those who are seeking ideas for research from the time period. But if you are simply seeking the faster pace, start with "Deo Vindice". Happy reading!)